Place of Origin

United States ➔ Massachusetts ➔ Beverley

Date of Composition

likely ca. 1850-ca. 1875

Description

This book was written by several unknown individuals. The names of Abrahm and George Fiske appear on a page in the volume, implying that the Fiske family of Beverley, Massachusetts, may have been among the book's authors or owners. Although the notebook in which the book is written appears to date from the first half of the 19th century, the recipes were compiled somewhat later, for they include Parker House Rolls, Pork Cake, Taylor Cake, White Mountain Cake, Feather Cake, Cheap Sponge Cake, and Washington Pie, all of which emerged in the 1850s or 1860s.

In addition to culinary recipes for cakes, breads, puddings, pies, meat, fish, vegetables, and preserves, there are also home remedies and household advice, including instructions for cleaning knives, spoons, and other kitchen utensils. There are also several pages of directions, accompanied by drawings, for setting tea tables and dinner tables, with notes on the seating of the host and hostess. The book's entire contents are indexed in a database available at the library.